Story Highlight
– The 1916 Company opens Collector’s Lounge in Manhattan Beach.
– First showroom to integrate luxury lounges with retail space.
– Store features dedicated areas for major watch brands.
– Plans emphasize blending new and pre-owned collections.
– Aims for personalized client experiences in a community-focused setting.
Full Story
A new retail experience has emerged in Manhattan Beach, California, where The 1916 Company has launched a store featuring a distinctive Collector’s Lounge, melding high-end watch collections with a customer-focused environment. This marks a significant innovation as it is the first instance of this lounge concept being integrated within a primary showroom, as opposed to existing as a standalone facility.
Collector’s Lounges are a brainchild of WatchBox, a specialist in pre-owned collectible timepieces, which has since become part of The 1916 Company. Traditionally positioned above street level, these lounges offer a private setting for discerning watch enthusiasts. Currently, similar standalone spaces exist in global cities including New York, Miami, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Neuchâtel.
This new 5,800 square foot showroom allocates a generous 1,350 square feet specifically for a dedicated Rolex shop-in-shop. Within the Collector’s Lounge, customers can find Rolex Certified Pre-Owned pieces alongside selections from The 1916 Company’s prestigious Pre-Owned Collection.
The establishment of The 1916 Company in 2024 was the result of a merger combining WatchBox with other established entities such as Govberg, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park Jewelers. This vision sought to bring together an impressive array of both new and pre-owned watch collections under one roof.
According to Morgan Stanley and WatchCharts, the company has emerged as a significant advocate for the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned initiative, contributing to 8% of its total global inventory by the end of 2025.
“Opening in Manhattan Beach fulfills a two-year ambition,” stated John Shmerler, the CEO of The 1916 Company. “Our showroom showcases the extensive range we offer: outstanding new and pre-owned collections, high-quality independent watchmaking, and a curated jewellery selection that resonates with the local community,” he added.
The Manhattan Beach location also pays homage to independent watchmakers, featuring a dedicated High Horology section. This area is highlighted by De Bethune, a brand predominantly controlled by The 1916 Company, alongside pieces from renowned makers such as Daniel Roth, Gérald Genta, Greubel Forsey, and Bianchet.
“The essence of our client interactions has remained steadfast over the past 110 years; every encounter and relationship is significant,” noted Melanie Chud, the newly appointed president of retail at The 1916 Company. “The Manhattan Beach store provides a chance to extend this experience to a fresh community, with an inviting space where clients can engage at their leisure and receive exceptional service that is increasingly rare.”
